Introduction

In the first part of this chapter* the author sketches out the rise of ADR in the last quarter of the twentieth century. The author then provides a historical perspective on the use of ADR in the United States. In the third part the author explains the institutional, cultural and political changes that gave life to the ADR movement. The fourth section takes up the claim of some adherents that ADR will lead to beneficial changes in American social and personal life. This final section introduces the reflexive power of dispute institutions.